Category Archives: Ask Building Expert

House restumping, how to get it wrong

Recently I inspected a home that has been restumped so badly that owner would have been better without it and kept his $18,000 Not only has the contractor failed to level the floors (as promised and required) but the floors … Continue reading

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Your house wall has sunk, what will you do?

That was the question my client wanted answered when he booked defect inspection and report on his investment unit in Sunbury. He had already had several repair quotes from underpinning contractors but they differed wildly ( from $6500 to $15000) … Continue reading

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Pre auction inspection, your gold nugget is where you find it, but look carefully! It pays to get Building Expert opinion.

Last week I inspected dilapidated grand old home that was going to auction. My clients are experienced renovators and at least one of them is a tradesperson in the building industry, however they wanted a second opinion and the extra … Continue reading

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What is a building contract? do you know what you are getting into?

It always amazes me that many people, even if they are well educated, will sign off on a building contract without understanding and thinking less than buying shoes. Then in a fit of blindness of common sense they will just … Continue reading

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Is this Building Commission building inspector a Jack of duds?

This is what you get when you get your building complaint investigated by Building Commission. Don’t waste your time! Think about it. Is the owner supposed to fill the spa with water risking her children’s life whilst waiting for a … Continue reading

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What’s the difference between property inspection report and Building Expert’s report?- piece of mind

This week I inspected a home for a lady who bought it just three months ago. She called and wanted a second opinion on some issues that troubled her. She did get a pre purchase report before buying and the … Continue reading

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Building Commission condones defective building work, degrades our building standards

People come to me when they have wasted their time with Building Commission getting nowhere. Check out this: So, it’s OK to do defective work because Building Commission will condone it. Why? Because it’s too hard to fix it, or … Continue reading

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Insurance claim- a good outcome

Recently I was called to a home suffering from serious roof leaks and water pouring down ceilings and light fittings. I prepared a report for the owners and now wish to share the outcome with you Branko, We have finally … Continue reading

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Commercial tenancy- unfit for occupation

My client is a tenant in a commercial property suffering from regular roof leaks and stock damage. I was commissioned to inspect and prepare a VCAT report. This is what I found This is what I said: A summary of … Continue reading

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New home inspection, It’s not always bad news!

Occasionally and regrettably not often enough I get the pleasure to inspect a finished home that is a credit to the builder. This is what I will typically say: “This dwelling is well constructed and nicely finished and a credit … Continue reading

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